Fitting SA wheels to FB 12a
 

Thank you in advance for your input!
I happened upon a craigslist find Monday morning - SA wheels.
So, my questions:

1) Will the SA wheels bolt directly to my 1985 S? I have the original 4x110 "+" wheels on the car now.

2) I've heard that the SA used different length bolts than the FB - is this true? If this is the case, where might I find the correct bolts?

3) My tires are about a year old or so, can I have the existing tires switched to these wheels - or once tires are "used" on a wheel, is that it? In other words, is there any issue with dismounting and remounting the current tires?

4) Lastly - where, oh where, can I find some center caps for these?

A quick trip to meet the seller at BoJangle's, and this is what I now have, x4:

<img src=http://southernfriedherring.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/SAWheels-1.jpg>

1) yeah put them right on.
2) yeah I think its just the bolt head. your bolt head will be longer to fit in the deeper + wheel style.
3) No problem any tire shop can do that for you. Some will give you heat if the tire is older than 5 years. Check the DOT for the actual date of manufacture.
4) Ebay??? Look on the classifieds here.


Those wheel look good. :D

Center Caps for Waffles can be tough to come by, especially nice ones. They can be had if your lucky or patient. They also require a spring clip that keeps then seated. Or I suppose you could silicone them in place or something similar.

1) The waffle rims are also 4x110 so the bolt pattern is the same.

2) The SA bolts are in fact longer. 45mm vs 62mm OAL to be exact.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...bbd20c98a0.jpg
The SA bolts are NLA I believe so eBay, want ad on this forum, etc would be your best bet.

3) Tires are reusable.

4) See solutions for #2

Nice waffles by the way. They always look great especially compared to the "+" FB rims.

That's helpful to see in a picture. Do you happen to know the length of the threaded part of the SA bolt?

Would these work? Not OEM by a long stretch ...
20 12x1 5 PCD Variation Wobble Bolts Fit Up to 2 4mm Different Wheel Pattern | eBay

The SA bolts are 43mm from the seat to the end of the bolt. You could use wobble bolts but they are going to add a failure point. They would likely be fine but you would be better off finding the correct bolts.

Did a little digging on Google and found these:
http://www.42draftdesigns.com/m12x1-5-cone-seat-extended-lug-bolts/

Watch this and then make the decision if you want to go with something other then a stock type lug. Stick with stock lug bolts if possible.

That was ugly!

It occurred to me that perhaps wheel studs could be a solution. Do these from Mazdatrix work for what I'm trying to do? That is, can I used these on my '85 12a to fit the SA waffles.

Fits 79-85 12A Only - 04-7903-0000
2.375" Screw in Stud with "starter" shank
http://www.mazdatrix.com/wheel1.htm

Thanks again!

A lot of things went on in that video that had nothing to do with the quality of his wheel studs/lug nuts.

He used the wrong size lug nuts, and they weren't torqued.

understood. The only point I was trying to make is that there are no shortcuts and that it could end bad.

The MazdaTrix studs would work. I like wheel studs over bolts.

On the MazdaTrix studs - has anyone actually done this?

Sure, I ran them for years with no problems.

Looks like Mr. 13BProject, Jamal Purches is coming through with some lugs and wheel centers. Really looking forward to mounting these... :)

Just grab you some M12-1.5 studs off ebay. BMW studs is what I got. They screw in part way with red lock tight and you can order them in different lengths. I used 90mm. No more problems with the lug bolts. Of course I race mine on the track.

Would these work? The only difference I can see is that the thread goes the entire length of the shaft, unlike the OEM ones.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331469186123?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Anyone? The seller states the shaft is "39-40mm" - and the SA OEM bolt is 39mm. Both are, I believe, 12 x 1.5. Would these work?

I don't see why not. It's not like the threads would rub on anything when everything is tightened up.

Give it a shot if the vendor will allow returns if they don't fit.
Let us know if they DO work, and more details on vendor, since there is no link with your image of them to the auction...
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska